House Speaker Mike Johnson has expressed opposition to an emergency halt on AI development, highlighting concerns that such measures might allow China to gain technological superiority. During a discussion on CNN’s “State of the Union,” Johnson emphasized the necessity for manufacturers and leaders in AI to collaborate with policymakers. He stated, “We cannot put a moratorium on this because China will overlap us.”
Amy Kremer, a Republican National Committee member and chairwoman of Humans First, echoed the need for America to maintain its technological leadership while safeguarding various interests including children’s and workers’, as well as national security. She remarked, “We need guardrails that protect Americans while allowing American innovation to lead the world.” Kremer also pointed out the importance of local authorities having control over AI-related infrastructure decisions.
Kremer opposes broad bans on data center development and calls for ensuring that communities are involved in decisions about AI infrastructure projects. She insists local citizens should have a say in project development and knowledge about companies involved in these developments.
The call for a pause in AI model development gained traction when Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei advocated for slowing AI advancements. The suggestion received support from influential tech figures such as Elon Musk and Sam Altman. The rapid growth in AI capability has raised public concern about potential misuse in creating deceptive content, including imitation voices and fake identities.
President Donald Trump, addressing reporters in Ireland, rejected the idea of slowing AI progress and highlighted the competitive stakes with China. Trump asserted, “We’re leading China on AI. We’re the most sophisticated country in the world…whoever wins AI wins.”
A Fox News poll conducted in July revealed that 70% of registered voters are against the construction of AI data centers in their neighborhoods. To counter infrastructure concerns, the Trump administration introduced the Ratepayer Protection Pledge, mandating that AI companies bear the cost of power generation and infrastructure associated with their projects.
CJ Womack, associate editor at Fox News, has underscored the necessity for collaboration between AI executives and policymakers to address security and safety issues related to AI development. Johnson suggested these discussions should take place at the White House, with an aim to “summon everybody together.”